Scientists Warn of Potential Low Earth Orbit Collapse Due to Solar Storms
A new study highlights the fragility of low Earth orbit, warning that a major disruption could lead to a catastrophic collision in as little as 2.8 days. The study, led by Sarah Thiele, introduces the Collision Realization And Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock, which estimates the time until a serious collision if satellite control is lost. The increasing congestion in low Earth orbit, driven by mega constellations like Starlink, poses a significant risk. Solar storms, which can disrupt satellite tracking and maneuvers, exacerbate this threat, potentially leading to a cascade of collisions. 
